We love resistance band training! There is so much you can do with resistance bands (many of which we do here at Fit!). Even if you usually use free weights (which, obviously, we love those too, and working out with free weights has a host of benefits on its own), you’ll find that resistance band training might be the next thing you incorporate into your fitness routine! Here are five reasons that we love resistance band training!
- Resistance bands are less expensive than basically any other type of workout equipment. Plus, they require little room for storage, can be easily stowed away in luggage when you are on the go, and weigh practically nothing! Talk about convenience and accessibility.
- They are GREAT for stretching and mobility exercises. So, even if you prefer to weightlift, they come in handy! Some post-workout or pre-workout stretches are limited by your mobility. Sometimes, you need a little extra push, which is easy if you have someone to apply pressure or extend your reach (think of laying down hamstring stretches, for example). However, if you are on your own, there are plenty of ways to use bands to enhance your stretches or provide an extra boost to mobility exercises! Here are a few stretches with a resistance band you can try.
- They are an excellent option for anyone with a prior injury or joint pain. If you are at a higher risk of injury or weightlifting isn’t an option due to joint pain or risk of reinjury, resistance bands provide the same level of muscle activation without the added force to your joints that free weights might apply. They are a great alternative to performing motions you may not be able to perform with dumbbells!
- The consistent tension of the band provides variable tension throughout the entire motion because it does not rely on gravity to provide that tension like dumbells do. Therefore, they offer a different “weightlifting” experience from traditional weightlifting. This added tension, where lack of gravity usually prevents tension from occurring, provides a more significant muscle stimulus! In addition, the added tension requires your body to activate your core muscles, which strengthens them and improves your balance!
- You can combine resistance bands with traditional weightlifting equipment to provide an increased load and lead to better performance and body composition. Circuit resistance training in combination with weight lifting, according to a study found in The Sports Journal, “12-week resistance training program increased FFM (fat-free mass), and decreased percentage BF (total body fat) and FM (fat mass) in young moderately-active males. Bone mineral density values were significantly higher after training in CRT (circuit resistance training) versus control, with no significant changes in body weight in CRT or control.”
Resistance band training offers way more benefits than we have time to list here, but suffice to say, there isn’t any downside to adding resistance band training to your workout routine!